Born on August 2, 1936 in Jacksonville, Texas, Mel graduated from Grapeland High School in 1954 and served in the U.S. Air Force until 1959.
Following his honorable discharge, Melvin pursued accounting at Texas Tech University, worked full-time, and married Bobbie Harrison, his wife of almost 60 years. After graduating in 1964, they moved to Tyler, Texas where he began work at Squires Johnson Squires accounting firm, receiving his C.P.A. soon after starting work and ultimately becoming the youngest partner at the firm.
Melvin flourished due to his unfailing trustworthiness, fierce loyalty to his relationships, servant’s approach, and steadfast consistency of character. Mel left Squires in 1987 and joined Henry and Peters, the only other accounting firm where he would ever work.
Mel dutifully served the Tyler community throughout his life. He was an active member of the Seekers class at Marvin United Methodist Church, and served on multiple boards including the Fair Foundation, Hospice of East Texas, and Southside Bank.
Mel loved playing golf with his friends whenever he could, (scoring a hole-in-one in 2020 at Willow Brook C.C.) and he passionately supported all things Texas Tech. However, if you wanted to see the light in Mel’s eyes shine the brightest you just had to ask him about his wife Bobbie, his children, Rebecca and John, or his twin grandsons, Jacob and Joshua.
Mel is survived by his son, John Lovelady and grandsons Jacob and Joshua Lovelady. He was preceded in death by his wife Bobbie Lovelady and daughter Rebecca Lovelady, his mother Lois Adams, his father Buford Adams, his sister Lois Perna, and his brother Ray Lovelady.
Words cannot express how precious our time together was and how much you will be missed. We love you Mel and know that you are finally at rest.
A memorial service will be held in his honor at Marvin United Methodist at 11:00 am on Friday, March 3, 2023 with a reception following.
Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Allen, Joe Bates, Herbert Buie, Rusty Bundy, Bob Garrett, Scott Myers, Rick Jett,Whit Riter, Randy Roberts, Clint Roxburgh, Thomas Smith, Andy Wall, John Walker, Christopher Wilhelmi and Walter Wilhemi.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Marvin United Methodist Church or Hospice of East Texas.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lloydjamesfuneralhome.com for the Lovelady family.
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